Exeter vs Lincoln prediction, betting odds and tips: Imps can deliver in Devon

Where to watch Exeter vs Lincoln

Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 12.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Lincoln draw no bet
1pt 10-11 Coral, Hills, Ladbrokes

Exeter vs Lincoln odds

Exeter 17-10
Lincoln 7-4
Draw 9-4

Odds correct at time of publishing

Exeter vs Lincoln predictions

Resilient Lincoln have lost only once on the road since New Year's Day and the Imps can maintain their reputation as reliable road warriors with a win at League One promotion rivals Exeter on Saturday.

The third tier has become a hugely competitive division with several big clubs flexing their muscles in the transfer market.

However, there are some well-run smaller clubs making an impact as well, including 11th-placed Exeter and fifth-placed Lincoln, who hope to stay in the mix for a top-six finish.

Exeter have not finished in the top half of League One since the 2010-11 campaign, but they are progressing nicely under boss Gary Caldwell and are two points adrift of the playoff places having played fewer games than most of the teams above them.

Caldwell's side have won four of their six home league games, including last Saturday's 1-0 success over Charlton, but their preparations for the visit of Lincoln have been disrupted by the absences of midfielder Ilmari Niskanen and striker Josh Magennis, who are both on international duty.

As well as being good players, Niskanen and Magennis also add a wealth of experience to an otherwise youthful Grecians group.

The pair will be keenly missed and that should offer plenty of encouragement to Lincoln, who head to Devon knowing that victory would take them to within two points of the top two.

Lincoln need to make an adjustment at left-back due to Reeco Hackett-Fairchild's call-up for Saint Lucia.

However, the Imps are a well-drilled side with multiple attacking options and could edge a finely balanced contest.

Exeter vs Lincoln team news

Exeter
Ilmari Niskanen and Josh Magennis are on international duty and Johnly Yfeko and Yanic Wildschut are long-term absentees.

Lincoln
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild is away with Saint Lucia and Tom Bayliss, Tom Hamer and Adam Jackson are sidelined. Ethan Erhahon is in contention to return.

Key stat

Lincoln have lost only one of their last 18 away matches.

Probable teams

Exeter (4-4-2): Whitworth; McMillan, Sweeney, Crama, Purrington; Aitchison, Francis, Woods, Mitchell; Bird, Alli.
Subs: Cox, Doyle, Fitzwater, Watts, Harper, Richards, MacDonald.

Lincoln (3-1-4-2): Wickens; Montsma, O'Connor, Roughan; McGrandles; Ring, Jefferies, Hamilton, Darikwa; Makama, House.
Subs: McKiernan, Moylan, Draper, Cadamarteri, Duffy, Erhahon, Pardington.

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